as (2)

[In Ger. asz; from Lat. as, gen it. a is, whence are the Eng., Fr., & Sp. ace, and the Port. az.] Among the Romans: A weight, coin, or measure. L. As a weight of twelve ounces, the same as a libra or pound, and divided into twelve parts called unciæ or ounces. These were: Uncia = 1 oz.; sextans (th) = 2 oz.; quadrans (1)=3 oz.; quincunx = 5 oz.; semis ()=6 oz.; septunx = 7 oz.; bes 8 oz.; dodrans = 9 oz.; dextans , or decunx = 10 oz.; deunx = 11 oz. II. As a coin, which, in the time of Tullus Hostilius, is said to have weighed twelve ounces. After the first Punic war had exhausted the treasury, it was reduced to two ounces. The second Punic war brought it to one ounce; and, finally, the Papirian law fixed it at half an ounce only. At first it was stamped with a sheep, an ox, a ram, or a sow, but under the empire it had on one side a two-faced Janus, and on the other the rostrum or prow of a ship. three minæ or 3,000 ases for each prisoner."Arnold: Hist. Rome, ch. xliv. III. As a measure: 1. ( Square ) An acre. 2. ( Linear ) A foot. As in Latin has other significations, among which may be noted ( in Law ) a portion divided among heirs. [ACE.] As. The contraction and symbol for Arsenic. Atomic weight, 75; density of vapour, 150; hydrogen being taken as 1. A.S. [Contraction for Lat. Artium soror = Sister of Arts.] An American degree conferred upon women. ( Times , Dec. 31, 1873.)